Residents of Darkokrom in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region are demanding justice following the alleged killing of a 36-year-old man and the shooting of a 76-year-old resident during a violent confrontation linked to illegal mining activities in the community.
The deceased, identified as Jaba Edward Atteh, popularly known as Atteh, was allegedly beaten to death, while Samuel Nartey, 76, sustained gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment at a health facility.
The residents alleged that the attack was carried out by armed men believed to have been deployed by an illegal miner identified only as Hero, following a dispute over mining activities in the area.
Addressing journalists, the spokesperson for the community, Mr Peter Doku, said the miner had entered Darkokrom to undertake illegal mining operations in water bodies and on farmlands, destroying cocoa farms and other crops despite strong opposition from residents.
According to him, although the miner later abandoned the site, he allegedly left behind uncovered mining pits without reclaiming the degraded land, posing a significant threat to residents and the environment.
Mr Doku said community members subsequently prevented the miner from removing his excavator and other mining equipment, insisting that the degraded lands be restored before the machinery was taken away.
He alleged that the miner later returned with a group of armed men on motorbikes, who attacked residents and fired indiscriminately.
During the incident, Mr Atteh was allegedly assaulted and killed, while Mr Nartey sustained gunshot wounds.
Residents said the matter was reported to the Anyinam Police, but expressed concern that no arrests had been made.
They appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and ensure that all those responsible for the attack were identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The community also called on the Government to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining, arguing that the activity continues to endanger lives, destroy farmlands and pollute water bodies across the district.
Meanwhile, members of the bereaved family disclosed that the deceased’s twin brother has suffered severe psychological trauma following the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Police have yet to comment publicly on the allegations, and the claims made by the residents have not been independently verified.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
